1796 Draped Bust Dime NGC AU58
1796 was the first year of dime (or disme, per nomenclature of the era) production at the First Philadelphia Mint. The Draped Bust and Small Eagle motifs originated on 1795 silver dollars. According to often repeated numismatic legend, the Draped Bust model was Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham, indirectly through paintings by noted artist Gilbert Stuart. Guide Book credit for the design, however, is assigned to Chief Engraver Robert Scot.On the dime, the Small Eagle only lasted…